As a parent, making sure your child grows up with strong and healthy teeth is very important. Doing this means you take them for a regular checkup and they follow the right diet. But, one question many new parents ask is, when is the best or perfect time to take their child for their first checkup. According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and dentist in Union City, the best time to take a kid for his or her first dental appointment is to be at one year of age. There are many instances in which your child may need to go to the dentist, whether for a simple checkup or some dental work. You should get an idea of when this is.

When to Schedule Baby's First Dental Checkup

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the best time to schedule your baby’s first dental office in Union City appointment is when you notice sprouts of the tooth or turns a year old. Another perfect time is when you notice a problem with their tooth growth or even a cavity already. Your child might have a higher chance of developing early tooth decay if there is a history of cavities in the family or the habit of falling asleep with a bottle.

What to Expect on Their First Visit

It is important that your child is free of tension before they visit; so make sure your child develops a familiarity with physicians and dentists. You can introduce them to a dentist in a fun way by allowing them to count your teeth while you count theirs.

Get them comfortable with doctor's exams like the chairs and drills at a dentist's office; don’t forget also to keep your cool when bringing your child in for the first time, as their first experience might be either amusing or terrifying. It is best not to take other children along during their first visit, as this may distract them.

How to Get Baby Ready for a Dental Checkup

If you’re really worried that your little one will get upset, come prepared with distractions, favorite comfort toys and lots of reassuring hugs. Unlike grownups with vivid memories of the drill, your baby has no reason to be anxious about a trip to the dentist. You may want to look at board books or picture books about dentists together or play “dentist” with a toothbrush and a stuffed animal. Even if your baby does have a meltdown mid-checkup, it’s nothing an experienced pediatric dentist hasn’t seen before.